Coxiella burnetii Q-Fever

Test information: Confirm infectious agent as C. burnetii (Q-fever) in symptomatic patients.

Availability: Referred to Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL): Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: Up to 10 Days upon receipt at Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL)

Specimen Type(s)

• Clotted blood;
• EDTA Whole Blood;
• Tissue;
• Tissue Biopsies;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Heart Valve

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;
• Pink Top BD;
• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Plain Top Sarstedt;
• Purple Top Microtainer BD;
• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Analytes

• Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) antibodies / DNA;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

5-10ml

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Minimum-clotting time 30 minutes.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Outside of normal hours samples should be refrigerated (2 °C to 8 °C).
• Include date of onset of symptoms.
• In acute infection, antibodies may not be present, so a convalescent specimen should also be tested.
• Coxiella can result in chronic infection: if there is a clinical suspicion of chronic infection, please discuss with a consultant microbiologist.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Coxiella phase 1 IgG: Negative / Positive.
Coxiella phase 2 IgG: Negative / Positive.
Coxiella phase 2 IgM: Negative / Positive.
Positives titrated to end point by (IF)

UKAS number

8043

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.